The Great Lakes Brewing Company out of Cleveland, OH has captured my undivided attention over the last year. I have yet to taste a single beer of theirs that isn't perfect. And I mean that in every sense of the world, not just subjectively. Their beers are simply perfect. Consequently, I can say with great clarity that if any given beer fan does not enjoy the Great Lakes version of any given style, then they just don't like that style. This brewery has become one of my go-to litmus tests for great beer.

Today I get to sample their Dortmunder Gold Lager, which is one of their most decorated beers. Seriously, check out this beer's info page and read the laundry list of awards. It's incredible. Now understand that the Dortmunder Export style is known to be a stronger, smoother, better balanced version of your standard pilsner. Knowing that, and coupled with my previous Great Lakes experiences, I'm just going to to ahead and sum up this review with cap on bottle: this beer delicious and perfect. Okay, fine, I guess I'll dissect it for the home audience.

In the glass, this beer has a pure honey golden coloration. It comes with a rocky white head that has good retention. On the nose, I was greeted with a sweet malty aroma with a strong earthy vibe. The beer has a bready base character similar to toasted crust. The hop profile is perfectly balanced with the malt and provides that signature crispness of a good pilsner. It also creates a refreshing grassy flavor. The mouthfeel is very smooth with a solid medium body. It's really easy to drink and very satisfying. The beer exits clean and crisp with a sweet malty aftertaste.

It is often said here at BrewChief that when a beer is perfect, there's not much to discuss. This certainly applies to the Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold Lager. This beer deserves every award it has ever received and then some. Seriously, you could go line-by-line on a style description and check off every single core trait (which is essentially what I did). In typical Great Lakes fashion, they nailed it. So I reiterate my initial assertion: this beer is delicious and perfect. I can happily recommend it to any and all beer fans. Seasoned drinkers will bow to its greatness while novices will be blown away by the smooth and savory flavors.

At this point I have to take a step back and reevaluate my relationship with Great Lakes. Today I have transitioned from big fan to true believer and I'm dangerously close to door-to-door evangelism. ''Have you heard the good beer news?''